How to know if blower wheel is bad? – Everything You Need To Know

A furnace blower motor is an important part of a home or office heating system, as it is responsible for circulating heated or cooled air throughout the place. If the blower motor malfunctions, it can cause the system to fail. In order to determine if the blower wheel is bad, first you will need to inspect it for signs of wear or damage.

Signs to know if blower wheel is bad

If the wheel appears to be damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced. If the blower wheel does not appear to be damaged, you can check for other signs of a malfunctioning system. These can include a low air flow, high noise levels, or a lack of production of heat or cold air. If any of these signs are present, it may be necessary to replace the blower wheel.

In either case, it is important to have the system inspected by a qualified technician. Failure to do so may result in serious damage to the conditioning system as a whole. Your timely response in getting it repaired or replaced can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Before going into the details of signs of a bad blower, let us first understand how the blower wheel’s motor works.

How does a furnace blower motor work?

A furnace blower motor is the central component of a forced-air heating system in a home or building. The furnace blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the ductwork of the heating and cooling system. If the blower motor fails, it will not be able to supply enough air to the furnace, which can lead to a number of problems.

For your furnace blower to work properly two types of components should work properly.

Drive motors

• Direct drive motors: These motors are typically used in applications where speed, direct torque and low noise are important factors. Direct drive motors can experience failure due to a variety of causes, including dirt, dust and debris build-up on the fan blades or stator. In furnaces, they are directly connected to the blower wheel. These are the most commonly used motors in gas based furnaces.
• Belt drive motors: Belt drive motors aren’t commonly used in modern domestic furnaces, and are typically found in industrial and commercial furnaces. In a belt drive motor, the fan blades are attached to a rotating band or belt. This type of motor is less susceptible to failure due to debris build-up on the fan blades, but can experience failure due to a variety of other causes.

Speed motors

• Single speed blower motors: They blow air at a constant speed until the desired temperature is obtained. It will stop automatically when the temperature sensor reaches a pre-determined level and starts again when there is a change.
• Variable speed blower motors: Variable speed blower motors are motors that are designed to adjust their speed depending on the needs and are commonly used in air conditioning and heating systems. It operates at a slower speed when the temperature gap is small and accelerated when the gap gets larger.

What causes for a blower wheel to not work properly?

Like any other part in a HVAC system, the motor of the blower is also subjected to wear and tear over time. Some reasons for a blower motor failure are excessive heating, insufficient cooling, or worn bearings. Internal components such as the windings and bearings get worn up even more faster when there is over built up of dust and debris, or if the blower is used more often in harsher conditions.

Usually, furnaces are located in isolated places such as the garage, utility room, attic or basement. In such places, there can be a lot of dirt and debris that may get into the furnace’s motor and get it clogged. Also, in such isolated places where there isn’t much of sunshine, moisture may creep in, which can result in shorts the windings, or gradually corrode the internal parts resulting in motor failure.

Regular maintenance is the way to go!

Regular maintenance and replacing faulty parts in the motor in a timely manner should keep your blower wheel running in good condition for at least fifteen years. But, if the motor is requiring regular repairs, then may be its time to replace it.

And if the motor is requiring regular replacements, then probably your furnace is getting older. If this is the case, it makes more sense to invest in purchasing a new furnace altogether rather than replacing the motor frequently.

Now, let us discuss on how to know if blower wheel is bad and when to replace the motor for it to keep functioning as good as before.

Indications for blower wheel motor repair/replacement

Below mentioned are some important indications that will let you know if your blower wheel motor needs a replacement.

1. Unusual Noises: If you start hearing loud and unusual noises coming from your blower motor, such as grinding or squealing, it may be time to get it repaired or replace it.
2. Poor Performance: If your blower motor is not operating at its full potential, it may be time to replace it. This could result in reduced airflow and increased strain on other components in your home, such as the air conditioning unit.
3. Damaged or Defective Parts: If you notice any damage to the blower motor or any of its components, it may be time to replace it. This could include torn wires, cracked bearings, or melted gears.
4. Unusual smells: If you start noticing an unusual smell coming from your blower motor, it may be time to repair/replace it. This could indicate that the motor is starting to break down and requires immediate attention.
5. Erratic or Unpredictable Behavior: If your blower motor starts behaving erratically or unpredictably, it may be time to replace it. This could include constantly turning on and off, stopping mid-cycle, or making strange noises.
6. Huge energy bills: If you are experiencing huge energy bills due to your blower motor, it may be time to replace it. This could include a failing motor that is not taking full advantage of the energy that is being used.
7. Failing Maintenance: If you have failed to maintain your blower motor in the past, it may be time to replace it. This could include not changing the air filter or blowing out the lint filter on a regular basis.
8. Inconsistent Performance: If you notice that your blower motor performs differently depending on the weather or season, it may be time to replace it. This could include taking longer to start up or running slower in cold weather.
9. Age: If your blower motor is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. As the motor ages, its components can wear down and cause decreased performance.
10. Lack of Maintenance: If your blower motor has not been serviced for a long time, it may be time to replace it. This could indicate that the motor is in need of repair or replacement and should not be attempted by the average homeowner.

If you notice any of the above signs, it may be time to have your blower motor to get repaired or replaced. Now, let us discuss about blower wheel itself and when should you consider replacing it.  

When is it time to replace or repair your blower wheel?

If your HVAC system is not producing adequate airflow, the blower wheel might need to be replaced or repaired. The blower wheel is responsible for pushing air through the ducts and into the rooms. If the blower wheel is not working properly, the system will not be able to circulate air effectively.

There are a few signs that suggest it might be time to replace or repair the blower wheel. Some of them are mentioned below:

• If your blower wheel is showing signs of wear and tear, such as a bent blade or a loose hub, it’s time to replace it.
• If the system is not producing cool/hot air, the blower wheel might be defective.
• If there are clogs in the ducts, the blower wheel might also need to be replaced.
• If there is too much dirt or debris in the blower wheel, it might need to be cleaned or replaced.
• If the fan is making strange noises, it might be time to have the blower wheel replaced.
• If the system is not venting properly, the blower wheel might also need to be replaced.

You should also frequently check for rusty blades and also if there is any corrosion due to moisture that’s eating up the blades. If yes, then you should replace your blower wheel immediately.

The Best Blower Wheel Designer and Manufacturer in China

If your cooling system or heating system is not working properly, then it may not be only due to motor issues, a blower wheel may also be the culprit. Rusted or corroded blades can’t pump in the air properly even if the motor is working efficiently.

If this is the case, you should consider replacing it immediately, or else the entire furnace may get damaged.

If you have decided to buy a blower wheel because it’s beyond any repairs, TSL Blower is where you want to shop. TSL was established in 2005 and specializes in the research and development of DC blower fans and fan impellers. Our mission is to remain at the forefront of technology in this field.

We are experts in providing a wide range of centrifugal fans, from industrial to residential purposes, for both cooling and heating. Our products are of superior quality, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Manufacturers from many industries utilize our centrifugal fans to facilitate the flow of air, gases, and raw materials in order to produce a satisfactory outcome.

After years in the business of making plastic injection moulds and components, TSL has become a specialist in the manufacture of blower wheels, fan impellers and DC fans, and is now able to offer a comprehensive range of replacement and repair parts for these devices.

Conclusion

You won’t find a better deal on blower wheels and related products than what TSL Blower has to offer. With decades of experience, we are the undisputed experts in the industry, and our products are backed by a warranty. So if you’re ever unhappy with your purchase, we’ll make it right.

At our company, we strive to provide you not only with superior products, but also with unmatched customer service and support.  We guarantee to exceed your expectations.

Don’t wait any longer! Get in touch with TSL Blower right away and one of our team members will be happy to help with all your blower wheel requirements. You can either call us, or contact us online. We’re always here to help!